All posts tagged ‘luggage’

The recent economic downturn affected a lot of different industries, but in many other industries, grandiose economic factors weren’t as heavy an influence on business. One of these industries that continues to thrive regardless of the current state of the economy is the luggage industry. Even while recreational travel was down, business travel was in full swing as the only way to escape an economic downturn is to keep selling. Only closers get coffee, and companies like Phorce have a pot brewing.

I do a lot of traveling to conferences and for business, and often need to carry multiple laptops, iPads, and books. A strong, rugged bag is a necessity for me when I travel, and if I can find one that is both professional looking and stylish, that’s all the better. But most of the bags I find are glorified messenger bags: rugged, but making me look like I just stepped off the sidewalk from a ten mile bike ride rather than going to a meeting with top executives. I’ve been seeking something more businesslike, but not too corporate. I want to look professionally geeky.

I think I found the answer.

A few weeks ago, Kolobags sent me their Zeyner Bullfight laptop briefcase to test out, and it is, without doubt, the nicest bag I’ve ever had. It is at once a professional looking laptop bag but with a remarkable devilish style. This is a true road warrior’s bag. In fact there is a tire tread motif imprinted in the rubber guards at the corners and flame stitching on the side pocket. The handle is wrapped in leather with red stitching and curved chrome spike on either end, looking like something Conan (and I’m not talking about O’Brien) might use to disembowel an attacking army. The handle along with the red flame stitching on the side will leave no doubt as to your attitude.

Zeyner Bullfight Laptop Briefcase made from ballistic nylon

The construction is equally solid, made of ballistic nylon and heavy chrome accents and zippers. There are three main pockets, including a roomy side equipment pouch, an accordion folder, and the main section which has a removable laptop slip cover built in. Its dimensions — 17.5″ x 15.5″ x 6.0″ — make it a bit bulky, especially when I have to travel on a crowded Metro train. However, for trips, it can carry my work MacBook Pro, my personal MacBook Air, an iPod, a few copies of my latest book, all the cables I need, plus a few magazines for reading with room left to spare. All of this does not come cheap, costing $335 online.

Although it certainly made an impression when I pulled my PowerBook out to set up for my presentation at the recent eDui conference, this bag is generally larger and heavier than what I typically carry with me on a daily basis. These days, though, my goal is to travel as virtually as possible leaving the weight of physical materials behind, and carrying all of my reading materials on my iPad. However, I see a lot of other professionals who like to carry their office with them wherever they go, and this briefcase would be an ideal way to transport it.

Fortunately, Zeyner also sells a variety of different and equally stylish laptop bags of various sizes and weights through Kolobags. This one I would really like for daily use is he Zyner Rebellion messenger bag, leather with some piratey looking metallic details. Maybe it’s time for me to get that bike after all.